AK bar athletes from participating in Scholarbook International trials

In an official public notice released on Wednesday, AK said the suspension was due to non-compliance with the federation’s mandatory anti-doping regulations and event organisation requirements.

The federation warned athletes and Athlete Support Personnel against participating in a “Golden Ticket Training” time trial event scheduled for March 12, 2026, at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru.

“In direct contravention of this directive, Scholarbook International has proceeded to publicize and organize a ‘time trials/recruitment’ event named ‘Golden ticket training’ scheduled for 12th March 2026 at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru with information circulated through social media platforms,” said AK.

AK warned that participation in unsanctioned events could expose athletes to regulatory and eligibility risks under both national and international athletics governance structures.

“Participation in non-sanctioned events by the federation may expose athletes to regulatory and eligibility risks under national and international athletics governance frameworks.

“We urge the athletics fraternity to adhere strictly to AK guidelines and to verify the status of events with the federation before committing to participate.”

The move reflects the federation’s continued effort to tighten oversight over recruitment and competition events amid rising concerns over compliance with athletics governance rules in Kenya.

Kenyan runners have long found success in the United States collegiate system under the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

Between 2005 and 2009, the NCAA cross-country and distance events averaged about 10 Kenyan men among the top 40 finishers annually.

Kenyan women have also shown strong progress in recent years, particularly in the 2023 and 2025 seasons.

The tradition of Kenyan success in American colleges dates back decades, inspired by pioneers such as Henry Rono and Samson Kimobwa, who helped open the pathway to international collegiate competition in the 1970s.

Today, Kenyan athletes are spread across several U.S. institutions beyond the traditional scholarship destinations such as Iowa State University, the University of Alabama, and Texas Tech University.

Athletes such as Doris Lemngole of the University of Alabama, and others, including Eliud Kipsang and two-time Big 12 champion Ernest Cheruiyot, have been listed on the Scholarbook Premier platform as having secured scholarships through the agency’s programs.